Wise Owl Clock Repair of Skagit Valley
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  • About
  • FAQs
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    • Clock Maintenance
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    • Housecalls
    • Watch Batteries
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  • Warranty
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Finding a Key for My Clock

10/28/2018

1 Comment

 
The easiest way to find the proper key is to bring the clock in to a local clock shop.  A good repair shop should have a selection of key in stock and can probably supply the key you need.  If you are near Mount Vernon, WA, you are welcome to bring the clock into my shop.  You can also use the American Watchmakers – Clockmakers Institute website, https://members.awci.com/AWCIWEB/AWCISearch/MemberSearch.aspx, to find a repair center near you.
Some people do not have a repair shop within a reasonable distance from them.  In that case you can order a key yourself.  Use a pair of calipers to measure the small timekeeping adjustment arbor and also the winding arbors (in millimeters).  Harbor Freight has a cheap pair of digital calipers that will work just fine for this purpose.  Once you have the required measurements, you can search for the appropriately sized double ended key on one of the clock supply websites.  Ronell Clocks, Timesavers, and Merritt’s Antiques all carry double ended clock keys.  Be aware that the stated sizes of the keys and the size you measure on the arbor may be slightly different, so you may need to order more than one key to get one that fits.  Fortunately, they are relatively cheap.  Your key should slide easily onto the arbor, but not so loose that either the key or the corners of the winding arbor can be damaged when you turn the key.  Good luck!
1 Comment
Eli Richardson link
2/11/2021 06:14:14 am

It really helped when you said a clock's key sizes might be different, so you should get multiple ones. The other day my wife and I visited her father, and we saw that he had a beautiful grandfather's clock. We realized it wasn't working properly, so we asked about it, and my father in law said he needed some repairs. I think that maybe this information could be helpful for him, so I'll be sure to share it with him. Thanks for the tips about how to find a key for your clock.

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    Mike Sarchet

    I am passionate about restoring and repairing antique clocks.  In this blog I answer commonly asked questions about how to care for your clock.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    My clock is not chiming; is there anything I can do?

    We are moving.  How do I pack my clock?

    How do I set up my Clock?
    Setting up a Grandfather Clock

    Setting up a Wall Clock

    ​Setting up an Anniversary Clock
    ​

    How do I wind my clock?

    Can I over-wind my clock?

    ​
    How do I start my clock?


    How do I set the time on my clock?

    My clock is running fast/slow.  How do I adjust the time keeping?  

    ​How often should I have my clock serviced?

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    Can I oil my clock myself?
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    ​
    Finding a Key for My Clock

    ​
    Will the addition of bushings decrease the value of my clock?

    All

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Email: mike@wiseowlclock
​repair.com

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​360-336-2780

Wise Owl Clock Repair
275 West Rio Vista Avenue, Suite 1
Burlington, WA  98233

Monday:     By appointment
​Tuesday:     10:00-2:00
Wed:             10:00-2:00
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